Rhythm of Rajasthan Coming to UB Nov. 18

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The Center for the Arts at the University at Buffalo will present Rhythm of Rajasthan on Friday, Nov. 18, at 8 p.m. in the Mainstage Theatre in the Center for the Arts, North Campus. The show is sponsored by Gujrati Samaj of Buffalo, Triveni, UB Asian Studies Program and UB Center for the Arts.

Formed in 2007, the Rhythm of Rajasthan was established to create an exciting fusion of traditional rhythms and melodies from the many diverse regions throughout India. The group captures the romanticism and heroism of the north Indian desert in a visceral and hypnotic performance of poetry, dance and music. The members of Rhythm of Rajasthan have all worked with many musicians from the Rajasthan region of India and have gained remarkable experience touring the world.

Rajasthan, the "land of kings" situated in the northwest of India, has one of the liveliest folk traditions in India. In celebration of this cultural diversity, the dancers of Rhythm of Rajasthan perform a program of joyous traditional music, encompassing driving percussion, ecstatic Sufi songs, hypnotic sarangi (bowed lute) and algoza (double flute) and spectacular folk dances. Lyrically, the performances deal with every aspect of life and human expression -- including love, separation, heroism, patriotism, respect for nature, marriages, birth and death, and God.

The group's appearances include: the First Rajasthan International Folk Festival; the India Festival in Amsterdam organized by the Concertgebow; the Second International Sufi Music Festival in Amman, Jordan; the fifth New York Gypsy Festival; the Chicago World Music Festival; and the Hollywood Bowl. The group has made appearances worldwide, including extensive tours of the U.S. and Canada, with notable appearances in Berkeley, San Francisco, Houston and Buffalo.

Tickets for Rhythm of Rajasthan are $25 general admission and $10 for students. Tickets are available at the Center for the Arts Box Office (Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) and all Ticketmaster locations including ticketmaster.com. To charge tickets, call 1-800-745-3000; in Canada, call 416-870-8000. For group sales, call 716-645-6771. For more information, call 716-645-2787.